SF Tenderloin Restaurant Closed for Cockroach-Infested Equipment

A Tenderloin restaurant was forced to close its doors after San Francisco health inspectors discovered cockroaches harboring in makeshift wooden structures supporting kitchen equipment, creating serious health hazards for diners. Cocobang, located at 550 Taylor Street near the Powell St BART station, failed its reinspection on October 17, 2025, resulting in immediate closure by the Department of Public Health. Inspector John Wells documented shocking violations that forced the restaurant to shut down until critical repairs could be completed.

Cockroach Infestation in Kitchen Equipment

The most alarming discovery during this inspection involved several pieces of 2x4 wood that had been screwed together and used to hold up the faucet and sprayer at the restaurant's three-compartment sink in the basement area. Inspector Wells noted that this improvised wooden structure was "not smooth and cleanable and was found to harbor cockroaches." This makeshift equipment poses serious health risks as cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe foodborne illness. The insects can contaminate food preparation surfaces, utensils, and ingredients, putting every customer at risk of infection. The wooden assembly violated California Retail Food Code Section 114130, which requires all equipment in food establishments to be smooth, easily cleanable, and approved for commercial use. Household or improvised equipment cannot withstand the sanitary demands of commercial food service and creates breeding grounds for pests and bacteria.

Dangerous Food Storage Temperatures

Inspectors also discovered critical temperature violations in the restaurant's walk-in cooler. The ambient temperature measured 56 degrees Fahrenheit, far above the required maximum of 41 degrees. Food items inside the cooler were found at temperatures ranging from 47 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, placing them squarely in the "danger zone" where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. Foods held above 41 degrees for extended periods can develop dangerous levels of pathogens that cause food poisoning. Customers consuming improperly stored ingredients could have faced serious illness from bacterial contamination.

Previous Inspection History

The closure followed a troubling pattern of violations at the restaurant. Records show that Cocobang had received a conditional pass during a previous reinspection on October 3, 2025, indicating ongoing compliance issues. Notably, while inspectors confirmed that a previous cockroach infestation had been eliminated since the October 16 inspection, the restaurant failed to address the underlying cause - the unapproved wooden structure that provided harborage for the pests. Inspector Wells documented that "the unapproved assembly holding up the sprayer at the three-compartment sink is still there," demonstrating the restaurant's failure to make necessary structural improvements to prevent future infestations.

Reopening Requirements

The restaurant was issued a red closure placard and must address all violations before reopening. This includes removing the wooden structure supporting the sink equipment, installing approved commercial-grade supports, and repairing the walk-in cooler to maintain proper food storage temperatures. For Tenderloin residents and workers who frequent the area near Powell Street Station, this closure eliminates a potential source of foodborne illness until proper food safety standards are restored. The Department of Public Health will conduct another inspection before allowing the restaurant to resume operations. Inspector John Wells can be reached at (415) 252-3801 or john.wells@sfdph.org for questions about the inspection findings and reopening requirements.